Vibe/layout: Anchored by a ship length communal table, RedFarm is a bright and cozy 82-seater filled with modern farmhouse decor. The easygoing space also features booth seating and a full bar in the rear. Although the bathrooms, and specifically the futuristic Japanese toilets, are a talking point (I mean the lid automatically opens when diners open the bathroom door), the dishes still take center stage. I must note that if I were Ed Schoenfeld, the owner, I would be as proud of the cuisine as I was of the bathrooms.

Why it’s worth it: When wandering around downtown, this handcrafted Jewish delicatessen is the perfect pit stop for a Sunday afternoon in the city. Noah Bernamoff, Jewish/Canadian owner, started curing and smoking meats in his apartment while attending law school…and voila! From a hobby emerged Mile End Deli, a hot spot known for its Quebec-style smoked meats in the heart of NoHo.

Vibe/layout: This ‘straunt rocks the minimalist black and white theme, with white diagonal subway titles, a black wood-paneled ceiling, concrete floors and a glossy black counter in the back. This is not your homey date spot, but your shiny sandwich/poutine go-to with your homies.

Ideal meal: Craving a sandwich? Get the reuben ($13). Craving an adventure? Order the poutine ($9/$12). The gooey cheese curds smothered in rich and meaty gravy sprinkled over hot fries will leave you wishing the chairs were beds and that Mile End Deli had the same hours as Katz’s.

F.Y.I.: This is the second location, the Manhattan offshoot, of Mile End Deli in Brooklyn.

‘Straunt tip: In the area, but too hangry to wait for a table at Il Buco, Il Buco AV, Gemma or The Smile? Mile End Deli is your answer.

Why it’s worth it: Although the name of this casual eatery promises lunch, Friedman’s Lunch also serves brunch and dinner with a focus on seasonal comfort food and an extensive list of great gluten-free items.

Vibe/layout: Despite the noisy neighborhood, the ‘straunt is clean, modern and spacious and the atmosphere is warm and cozy . The ‘straunt sports a rustic, brick-and-wood theme with a large bar and a number of booths and table seats available for large groups.

People behind Friedman’s Lunch: Vanessa Phillips and Tryg Silverson are the husband and wife team behind this ‘straunt and because Vanessa has Celiac Disease, Tryg set out to create as many gluten-free, yet delicious, dishes as possible.

Why it’s worth it:Cafeteria, a 24 hour ‘straunt, amps up the definition of comfort food and capitalizes on a prime people watching location, making it a great option for an after work drink or tasty meal with friends.

Vibe/layout: This ‘straunt is decked out in post-modern white, chrome and plastic, with wooden tables and a front wall made up of glass doors that lift up like a garage… leaving nothing in common with your typical school cafeteria. The ambiance is casual, yet upbeat and trendy.

Why it’s worth it: This corner-store sized, charmingly petite cafe serves simple, delicious and inexpensive French fare, not to mention the best croque madame we’ve ever had (and yes we’ve been to France). You’ll know Tartine by the green awning, sidewalk tables and notoriously long lines on the weekends.

Vibe/Layout: Tartine has all of about 15 seats and has been in the neighborhood for two decades, making it a cozy and homey go-to spot. Don’t expect much leg room though, especially if you score a table on the sidewalk.

Ideal meal: Croque madame ($14) or croque monsieur ($14)

When to go: If you have a random day off from work, or work in the area, head to Tartine for lunch or for a darling croissant.

Why it’s worth it:Schiller’s Liquor Bar is a casual neighborhood American ‘straunt, perfect for rowdy or friendly group dinners or lunches.

Vibe/Layout: This ‘straunt’s dining room has floor to ceiling windows open to the street and a large and curvy bar for dining or drinking. The walls are tiled like subway stations, smudged and cracked perfectly, and mirrors are placed along some of the walls to elicit this ‘straunt’s collaboration between a pub, bistro, trattoria, tapas bar and diner.

F.Y.I.: The owner, Keith McNally, published the Schiller’s Liquor Bar Cocktail Collection, a series of four books of recipes from Schiller’s Liquor Bar. The collection includes books on the following topics: classic cocktails, artisanal updates, seasonal drinks and the bartender’s handbook.

Straunt tip: If you’re into boutique men’s clothing shops (skate shop-esque), then check out the hidden Alife Rivington Club (buzz for entry) across the street from this ‘straunt.

If you’re like me, when you hear “Caracas Arepa Bar” you probably wonder “what is an arepa and do I want to go to a place that has little else on the menu?” Well… an arepa needs to be experienced, not explained, but I’ll do my best and say it’s a Venezuelan corn muffin, crisp on the outside and steamy-soft in the middle, stuffed with any of the following: pulled pork, beef, avocado, black beans, plantains, etc… And if that doesn’t get you excited, consider this: the most expensive arepa is $8.

Why it’s worth it: Let’s just say.. when you Google arepa, Caracas is the second listing (first is Wikipedia)

Vibe/Layout: The decor of this small and cozy ‘straunt is warm and hip, with old mismatched wall and ceiling panels, semi-old or worn down looking furniture and cool fixtures which add a Venezuelan flair. Light Latin and Spanish music play in the background of this ‘straunt, which has a small bar, high top seating and amazing outdoor picnic-table seating.